It is time that we recognize that prolonged sitting in conjunction with excessive usage of mobile phones, tablets, and PCs is absolutely detrimental to our health. Over the past decade, the average time spent using a mobile phone increased from 0.3 hours a day to over 3 hours a day for the average adult. During phone usage, the typical posture of the neck is at 60 degrees flexion. As the head tilts forward, the weight of the head goes from 10-12 pounds in the neutral position, to over 60 pounds! Over time, this forward head position causes permanent ligamentous creep deformations that have lasting neurophysiological effects.
In addition to ligamentous damage, muscle adaptations begin taking place resulting in “Upper Cross Syndrome”. This is characterized by tightness of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoral muscles along with weakness of the deep cervical flexors, and middle to lower trapezius muscles. As postural changes take place in the upper body, the lower body is also susceptible to weakened muscles, which increases the chance of injury.
Using a collection of symptoms and use of special tests, chiropractors can easily diagnose this syndrome and put a plan together to start reversing the changes.
Dr. Emily Paskorz & Dr. Kathleen Hartford
Health Pyramid Longevity & Vitality Center
1-800-893-5000
